The Dodge Ram pickup, currently badged as Ram Truck, is a full size pickup truck manufactured by Fiat Chrysler Automobile US. The Ram nameplate was first used in 1981 when the then Dodge D-series and B-series trucks were rebadged and redesigned as Dodge Ram. Back then the use of fresh sheet metal made the Rams weigh less, resist more to rust and had a more aggressive demeanor which made them very popular. Some major updates were introduced in 2002 and later in 2009. Four generations later, in 2010, the Dodge nameplate was dropped and the pickups christened Ram Trucks.

Design & Performance

The current Dodge Ram 1500 is the fourth generation of pickup trucks and was introduced in 2009. In contrast to previous generations, this truck features coil-spring rear suspension, powerful engine options and newer technology, thus offering a better ride quality. It was sold as Dodge Ram 1500 with 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 models being added to the lineup subsequently. The current generation Rams are handsomely sculpted and stand tall among other pickups.

Performance

This Dodge Ram 1500 comes in five trim levels, the base ST, then moving to SLT, TRX, Sport and the top end Laramie. Further, it also offered three cab configurations, however the Mega Cab option from the previous generation was deleted. It was replaced by a true four-door crew cab (offering 40 inches of additional rear legroom) with regular cab and quad cab being the other two. The pickup can be bought either in a two-wheel or four-wheel-drive setup. Engines options include a 3.7L V6 (215 hp), 4.7L V8 (310 hp) and 5.7L Hemi V8 (390 hp).

As for the transmissions, updates took place gradually as five-speed manuals were replaced by six-speeds, and four-speed automatics gave way for five-speeds.

Interiors

Despite being Ram ‘Trucks’, the interiors of Dodge Rams are very different from any other truck cabins. They are extremely spacious and comfortable. The cabin comes with a three-across front bench seat and column shifter with all seats featuring minute attention to detail. It also has a rear-seat video option and a 10-speaker surround-sound audio system, along with navigation and a rear back-up camera.

Towing & Payload

The 2009 model came with a towing capacity of 9,100 lb for 2WD Ram 1500 with regular cab, long-bed, 5.7L Hemi engine. This capacity was increased to 10,450 lb without changing the setup. For the 2010 model, payload was increased by 50 lb to 1,900 lb for the regular cab 2WD model with the 3.7L V6 engine.

Also available are keyless entry options, a tonneau cover, LED lights, a spray-in bedliner or drop-in bedliner that make the Ram 1500 pickup box even more functional. The tonneau cover facilitates air movement over the truck body, improving airflow and helping to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Safety

The Ram features four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, and an electronic stability program (ESP) as standard. In IIHS crash tests, the 2009 Ram received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and a Marginal score in the side impact test. A redesigned model of the Ram 1500 got a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.

Thanks to its attractive character and strengths in key areas such as design, build quality, performance, comfort and styling, Dodge Ram is one of the best picks in the highly competitive full size pickup truck segment.

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